The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a fierce Monday night showdown in Detroit, and one player is ready to make a statement — cornerback Zyon McCollum.
Last year, McCollum turned heads when he intercepted Jared Goff during the Bucs’ Week 2 matchup at Ford Field — a signature play that solidified his rise as a full-time starter. Now, with the Bucs facing a dangerous Lions team coming off a loss, McCollum might once again be the key to flipping the script.
Since the start of the 2022 season, the Lions have gone 12-4 following losses, showing how dangerous they can be when backed into a corner. That stat alone makes McCollum’s role even more crucial tonight as Tampa tries to disrupt Detroit’s bounce-back formula.
After missing last week’s game with a thumb injury, McCollum is officially good to go. He was spotted earlier this month wearing a sling — a move that caused concern among fans — but the Bucs corner quickly clarified that it was more precautionary than serious. Head coach Todd Bowles put any lingering doubts to rest over the weekend, saying, “He can do everything.”
That “everything” might just need to include another interception — or maybe even a strip-sack — if the Bucs are going to contain Detroit’s high-powered offense led by Goff and offensive coordinator John Morton.
With Tampa expected to need every possible break to slow down one of the NFC’s most explosive teams, McCollum’s return could be perfectly timed. He’s healthy, he’s confident, and if history repeats itself, he could once again leave Detroit with a highlight that shifts the game.
Because if the Bucs are going to beat the Lions on their turf, they’ll need McCollum’s magic — and maybe a little bit of luck.
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